Articles tagged with Physical Therapy
Critically ill patients experience reduced muscle weakness, delirium and hallucinations when introduced to mild exercise programs, with recovery times speeding up by 2-3 days. Patients can exercise while attached to life support equipment, including mechanical ventilators.
A physiotherapist-led exercise and education program improved wellbeing and reduced depressive symptoms in postnatal women. The study found a 50% reduction in
A physical therapy exercise and health education program has been shown to improve postnatal well-being and reduce the risk of postnatal depression. The study found that the program reduced depressive symptoms and improved psychological well-being in new mothers, with a significant positive effect at 8 weeks after completion.
A study by a University of Michigan researcher found that treadmill training can help infants at risk for neuromotor delays walk on the same trajectory as normal children. The intervention reduced toe-walking in affected infants and showed a critical window for improvement between 10-18 months.
The University of Missouri is launching a health literacy study emphasis program offering the first US health literacy certificate, focusing on non-physician professionals. The program aims to address low health literacy's $106 billion annual cost by providing thorough training on issues like culture and health compliance.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that decreased muscle strength is associated with difficulty performing daily activities like stooping, crouching, and kneeling. Older adults with weakened trunk extensor, knee extensor, and ankle flexion muscles had significant difficulties with these tasks.
Researchers found that patients typically drop weight in first few weeks after total knee arthroplasty but then experience an average weight gain of 14 pounds over two years. Weight gain is more pronounced among weaker surgery patients.
A recent study shows that supervised exercise combined with nicotine replacement therapy can help women quit smoking and reduce weight gain. However, long-term relapse rates remain a challenge, highlighting the need for cost-effective maintenance programs to prevent smoking relapse.
A systematic review found that constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) shows promise in improving arm use in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. CIMT forces the use of the affected side, and positive effects were demonstrated 6 to 8 months after intervention.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that a progressive physical therapist-guided exercise and education program significantly improved physical function in patients after back surgery. The 12-week program reduced disability and improved walking performance, suggesting greater effectiveness than usual physical therapy.
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) who underwent painful physiotherapy experienced significant improvements in physical function, while those who avoided painful treatment saw further loss of function. The study suggests a 'full on' approach to physiotherapy m...
Research highlights the importance of including vestibular rehabilitation in treatment plans for blast-induced traumatic brain injury patients experiencing balance and motion symptoms. Physical therapists call for development of screening and assessment measures to inform treatment strategies and reduce disability.
Breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of lymphedema by seeking physical therapy services before, during, and after treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists enable early diagnosis and management of the condition, leading to more conservative treatment options.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found that a gentle touch application can decrease grip force required to lift objects in individuals with multiple sclerosis. This study suggests that applying a light touch from the opposite hand's finger may aid in regaining control and coordination, making everyday tasks more manage...
A new study from the University of Gothenburg found that supervised strength training improves athletic performance by 50% compared to unsupervised exercises. The research also showed a significant reduction in injuries among athletes receiving personalized, supervised training programs.
A randomized controlled trial found that leg movement training in preterm infants improved coordination and strength of the legs, allowing them to make contact with toys using their feet. This innovative intervention strategy has the potential to encourage early object interaction and reduce long-term motor impairments.
Exercise counseling combined with fitness center-based training improves muscular strength and exercise capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, comparable to supervised exercise programs. Physical therapists can effectively prescribe this approach for patients with type 2 diabetes.
A pilot study published in Physical Therapy found that restraining patients' unaffected upper limbs during the subacute phase after a stroke did not improve motor impairment and capacity compared to standard rehabilitation. Researchers applied constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with a restraining device, but the results were no...
A study found that improper use and fit of walkers and canes result in 47,000 emergency room visits annually. Physical therapists recommend assessing and fitting walking aids to prevent injuries.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that directing attention to external effects of movement improves postural stability in patients with Parkinson's disease. This strategy may help reduce falls and improve mobility for those affected.
A study found that stroke survivors who practiced tai chi improved their balance and reduced the risk of falls. Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that requires concentration and balance control, and can be taught to community centers or parks.
University of Delaware researchers have won the American Physical Therapy Association's award for the best clinical paper in orthopedics published in 2008. Their study focuses on the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, a common issue affecting nearly 250,000 Americans each year.
A review article recommends physical therapy as a first line of treatment for symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease, showing exercise and manual therapy improve function and decrease pain. Physical therapists tailor individualized exercise programs to help patients avoid surgery.
A small randomized study found that robotic therapy improved physical ability in stroke patients, with more significant gains in those with lower disability at the start of rehabilitation. The study suggests that robotic therapy may be useful in reducing physical disability years after a stroke.
A University of Delaware study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that strengthening exercises for the quadriceps after knee replacement surgery significantly improves function and can even surpass that of a healthy adult. The study's results suggest that patients should be encouraged to participate in progressive quadriceps ...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center are evaluating a new mechanical arm, Armeo, to help patients with strokes and traumatic brain injuries regain arm strength through virtual exercises. The device allows for increased repetitions of tasks, potentially leading to quicker recovery.
A systematic review found motor control exercises can significantly reduce pain and disability in patients with persistent low back pain. These exercises help regain control of trunk muscles, leading to improved physical activity and positive effects over time.
A recent study published in Physical Therapy found that older adults' perceptions of their overall health and balance significantly influence their walking activity. Those who perceived both as good walked the most blocks per week, while those who perceived one or both as poor walked less.
A new study published in the Spine journal found that manual physical therapy and exercise significantly improves neck pain, reducing mechanical neck pain and disability. Physical therapists can provide a conservative solution to musculoskeletal pain without expensive surgery or medication side effects.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida are developing a virtual reality program to help stroke survivors improve their range of motion. The program, which will track patients' progress, aims to make physical therapy exercises more engaging and enjoyable, encouraging patients to work harder and increase their mobility.
Combining aerobic and high-force eccentric resistance exercise improved glucose control, physical performance, and body fat composition in people with type 2 diabetes. Patients who participated in a 16-week supervised exercise training program showed significant advantages over those in an aerobic-only exercise program.
Researchers found that patients with high Patient Activation Measure (PAM) scores are more likely to attend physical therapy and engage in rehabilitation. The PAM questionnaire assesses a patient's ability to play an active role in their healthcare, and high scores can predict improved adherence to treatment.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that physical therapy combined with medical management is just as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery in relieving pain and stiffness. Physical therapists can design personalized exercise programs to improve motion, strength, and conditioning.
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that trained sexologists could correctly infer vaginal orgasm through watching the way women walked over 80% of the time. The sum of stride length and vertebral rotation was greater for vaginally orgasmic women, suggesting a link between gait and sexual function.
Active physical therapy for patients with acute low back pain is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower healthcare costs. Physical therapists can help reduce healthcare utilization by providing hands-on therapy and exercises to alleviate low back pain.
Researchers have created therapeutic toys to help children with cerebral palsy through play, incorporating hand-controlled games and data logging capabilities. The study aims to improve function and strengthen muscles in affected limbs.
Research shows that patients need to re-learn the sit-to-stand position technique after TKA, relying on a larger hip extensor movement. Physical therapists can help by teaching correct techniques, potentially preventing future knee osteoarthritis.
The University of Southern California has been awarded $12.4 million to spearhead a rehabilitation project for stroke survivors. The study, named I-CARE, aims to optimize rehabilitation therapies to improve patient quality of life.
A new report reveals that a non-ambulatory child with a cervical spinal cord injury was able to restore basic walking function after intensive locomotor training. The child's progress from no ability to stand or walk to full ambulation using a walker is significant, suggesting that the central nervous system may be retrained. Research ...
A recent study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists can detect and treat lymphedema, a chronic condition caused by excess lymph fluid. The study showed that early detection and management can prevent the condition from progressing to a chronic stage.
A recent study found that walking therapy for stroke survivors is significantly more effective when conducted by a physical therapist, improving walking speed and symmetry. Human-assisted interventions allow for patient error and harder work, leading to better outcomes.
Researchers at Purdue University found that discrete skills like typing are controlled differently than continuous skills like scribbling. This discovery could have implications for physical therapy and humanoid robotics.
Research at the University of Delaware found women with osteoarthritis in their knees have significantly reduced mobility and function compared to men. Women may need to become more educated about knee-replacement surgery risks and benefits to preserve their mobility and quality of life.
A study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that early mobility therapy in ICU patients reduced length of stay by an average of three days, compared to those who did not receive the therapy. The therapy was provided by a mobility team and proved safe, with no additional costs incurred.
A new acoustic absorber developed by National Physical Laboratory has improved the calibration accuracy of physiotherapy ultrasound machines, reducing the risk of patient injury. The upgrade enables equipment to accommodate spreading beams and provides greater calibration accuracy.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that six months of acupuncture treatment was more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain. The treatment, which involved verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture, resulted in significant improvements in pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.
A six-week free weight training program successfully restored physical function in 96% of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries. The majority (75%) returned to their previous job, with all but one participant reporting high satisfaction. This innovative approach promises cost-effective solutions for employers and payors.
The SAM walker, developed from NASA's cable-compliant technology, aids spinal cord and traumatic brain injury patients in standing and walking. It reduces pressure on legs and allows patients to strengthen their lower body muscles, helping them regain mobility and independence.
A personalized program of occupational and physical therapy, combined with home modifications, has been shown to improve daily living tasks and increase survival rates among the elderly. The six-month intervention helped participants build confidence, use effective coping strategies, and make their homes safer.
A study at Rush University Medical Center found that 96% of patients underwent minimally invasive knee replacement surgery could be discharged the same day without any complications. The key to this success was a comprehensive team approach, including pre-surgical education, optimized care pathways, and post-operative rehabilitation.
Research at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that robotic treadmill training increases activity in the brain responsible for muscle movement and motor learning after 12 weeks. The study suggests that rehabilitation strategies can be designed to engage critical areas of the brain necessary for walking.
A new study has found that chiropractic care is a cost-effective treatment option for chronic low-back pain, with lower costs and comparable patient outcomes compared to traditional medical care. Chiropractic care resulted in clinically significant improvements in pain and disability reduction for both acute and chronic patients.
The study focuses on two main areas: dyspareunia and vaginismus, exploring their connection to fear and developing more effective treatments. Researchers aim to improve therapies for women suffering from genital pain associated with menopause.
A woman's fear of falling led to a psychological disorder affecting her ability to walk, but treatment helped improve her bearing and mobility. After discovering the condition was not physically related, she began walking again after six months of physical therapy and reduced medication.
A randomised trial found that a brief pain management programme delivered by physiotherapists was as effective as a package of physiotherapy incorporating spinal manual-therapy techniques in treating low back pain. The programme resulted in fewer treatment sessions and referrals to secondary care.
A new physical therapy technique, Souchard's global postural re-education, has shown significant improvement in chronic back pain patients. The method involves stretching and strengthening of para-spinal muscles to correct posture and decompress the spinal canal, resulting in pain relief for 92% of participants.
A national survey found that 96% of those who received at least one massage in 2004 have favorable feelings toward massage therapists. The profession is also gaining acceptance among younger adults, with 58% of those under age 50 holding favorable views.
The USC Interdisciplinary Center aims to explore new directions in stroke neurorehabilitation, focusing on rehabilitation strategies for the arm and hand in people who have survived a stroke. The team will develop novel virtual environment tests and computational models to assess and rehabilitate human functional performance.
Researchers are developing an intervention to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in a rat model. They will examine the effects of ergonomic and pharmaceutical interventions to stop the condition from becoming chronic. The five-year study aims to refine treatment and save people from further pain and disability.
Researchers followed 171 post-menopausal women over 14 years and found that those who were physically active had a higher level of functional status. Physical activity was directly related to improved functional status, even after adjusting for health status.